Bowel Flashcards
Digestive system
which is composed of
the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and a series of hallow organs that originate at the mouth and
terminate at the anus.
GI Tract
is made up of the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and anus
Epiglottis
A small flap, that, prevents food and liquid from entering the airway and allows it to continue into the esophagus
Peristalsis
moves food downward the esophagus toward the stomach.
Occurs every 3 to 12mins
Diarrhea
If Intestines do not absorb
enough H2O
Constipation
-If intestines absorb too much H2O
-fewer than 3 BM in a week
-Diets with not enough fiber or water intake
Medications That Can Slow Gastric Motility and Cause Constipation
➢Antacids
➢Anticholinergics and antispasmodics
➢Antiseizure medications
➢Calcium channel blockers
➢Diuretics
➢Iron supplements
➢Anti-Parkinson’s disease medications
➢Narcotic pain medications
➢Antidepressants
Diverticulosis
is a condition in which small sacs or pouches
form in the colon. These sacs increase a client’s risk for diverticulitis as a result of food becoming trapped.
Ulcerative colitis (UC)
a chronic disease that
causes inflammation and
ulcerations of the large
intestine or colon. Onset
is gradual and worsens
over time, but there can
be periods of remission
that can last weeks or
years
Crohn’s disease
is a chronic disease that commonly causes inflammation of the small intestine, but it can also
affect any part of the GI tract. Like UC, Crohn’s disease worsens over time but can have periods of remission.
Alterations in urinary elimination
are usually treatable or manageable. Nurses can assist clients with making lifestyle changes, provide bladder training, and instruct clients how to perform pelvic floor muscle exercises.
There is also urinary catheterization, which the client can do, if necessary.
Alterations in bowel elimination
are usually treatable or manageable. Nurses
can assist the client with making lifestyle changes, provide bowel training, and provide the client with agents to stimulate a bowel movement
Small intestines
20 feet long
3 parts
* Duodenum
* Jejunum
* Ileum
Primary organ for digestion
- Most nutrients absorbed here
- Pancreatic & hepatic enzymes (& bile)
break down fats, proteins, carbohydrates
Large intestine
Primary organ of bowel elimination
Extends from the ileocecal valve to the anus
Functions
* Absorption of water
* Formation of feces
* Expulsion of feces from the body
* Absorption of Na+, Cl-, and H2O
3 parts of colon
Ascending
-From the cecum up to liver
-Turns at hepatic flexure
Transverse
-Across abdomen
-Downward turn at splenic flexure
Descending
-Down to sigmoid
